World number one tennis player and Explora Journeys global brand ambassador Jannik Sinner became the first guest to sail aboard EXPLORA III, participating in the first leg of its Mediterranean Prelude Journey from July 24 to 25. During the crossing between Genoa and Marseille, passengers had the unique opportunity to participate in interactive wellness experiences and social activities alongside Sinner and members of his high-performance team, aboard the brand's first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
During the trip, guests were able to interact directly with Jannik Sinner in a series of exclusive experiences. In various question-and-answer sessions, the tennis player shared the discipline, mindset, and philosophy that underpin his performance at the highest level, just days after winning the Wimbledon title.
Attendees also enjoyed a sneak preview of In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Programme, a new wellness program developed jointly by Explora Journeys and the Italian tennis player, which is now available on board EXPLORA III.
To mark its launch, passengers participated in sessions led by members of Sinner's performance team, including Simone Vagnozzi, Darren Cahill, Umberto Ferrara and Andrea Cipolla, with special appearances by the player himself throughout the program.
At the end of the first question-and-answer session, Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, welcomed Jannik Sinner as the first Honorary Diamond Member of Explora Club, the company's loyalty program, presenting him with a commemorative Diamond Chaton. This recognition was also awarded to the members of his high-performance team, as a tribute to the teamwork behind every great sporting achievement.
One of the highlights of the voyage was the official opening of the new padel court on EXPLORA III by Jannik Sinner, accompanied by Captain Serena Melani, who commanded the ship, and Anna Nash. After cutting the ribbon, the tennis player played a friendly rally with his coach on the new court.
The first stage of the Mediterranean Prelude Journey concluded with an elegant Charity Gala Dinner held at the French-inspired restaurant Fil Rouge, which brought together Jannik Sinner, representatives of the Jannik Sinner Foundation, the MSC Foundation and Explora Journeys.
The evening also marked the first joint initiative between the two foundations, aimed at raising funds for marine education activities for children in Mediterranean communities.
As EXPLORA III continues its Mediterranean Prelude Journey, passengers are still enjoying an exclusive preview of the new ship before its arrival in Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 29, ahead of its Official Christening Ceremony, which will take place in Barcelona on August 1, and its maiden voyage to Lisbon, scheduled to depart on August 3.
Guests on board are the first to discover the evolution of the Explora Journeys experience. EXPLORA III incorporates redesigned public spaces, larger Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, three new dining options—The Chef's Table, The Cellar, and Shore Club, located on Deck 11—as well as a revamped, unified Ocean Wellness space on Deck 5.
During this inaugural voyage, passengers also have the exclusive opportunity to meet the Explora Journeys management team and the architects responsible for the ship's design, discovering firsthand the vision and craftsmanship that have shaped EXPLORA III, the third of the six ships that will make up the Explora Journeys fleet before 2028.
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